Should You Install Granite Flooring or Marble Flooring For Your Silver Spring Home?

Installing natural stone floors can add a distinguished look and character to your home. Marble floors and granite floors are two great options for a beautiful and long lasting stone floor, but there are similarities and differences you should know about before you make your purchase! How do marble floors and granite floors measure up when it comes to stain resistance, durability, care requirements, variety and price?

Ready to install granite flooring or marble flooring in your Virginia, Maryland, or Washington, DC home? Elegant Floor Service offers stone floor installation, repair, and maintenance!

Marble & Granite Flooring Durability

When installing stone flooring in your home, there are a few things to consider. How much foot traffic do the different rooms of your home see on a daily basis? Do you have children? Are there pets in your Maryland area home? While stone flooring is rather durable, it is still susceptible to normal use and abuse that can lead to damaged floors. The following should help you determine whether granite flooring or marble flooring is the right option for you and your family!

Resistance to Wear and Tear

Marble floors are more porous than granite floors, thus making them more susceptible to staining. Low PH liquids (acids) like orange juice, nail polish remover, and vinegar can do serious damage to marble floors—but so can things like household detergents and cleaners that are caustic and have a high pH level. Marble is also much more likely to be damaged by scratches from pets or shoes and objects that accidentally fall on your floor. If your family is looking for a tough flooring option that holds up against everyday wear and tear, marble may not being the best option for your Washington, DC area home.

On the other hand, granite floors are far less porous and defend well against stains, scratches and wear. It is one of the most durable flooring options on the market today! While adding an aesthetically pleasing charm to your home, granite flooring withstands all kinds of use and abuse that allows it to last a long time—making it a cost-effective flooring solution.

Stone Floor Cleaning

Because marble floors can stain so easily, you must clean them as quickly as possible after a spill. But you must also remember that your marble floors need regular cleaning as well to remove the dirt and grime from everyday wear. It is critical that you do not use acidic cleaning detergents on your marble floors, as these will eat away your floors and degrade their shine and appearance. The best way to clean your marble floors is using warm water and a pH-neutral cleaning solution.

While granite floors are not as susceptible to staining as marble floors, you should still be careful not to use acidic liquids or cleaning supplies on them. For both marble and granite floors, use warm water and a pH-neutral soap like Seventh Generation. For a stronger, but still safe solution, try Simple Green Stone Cleaner.

Marble & Granite Floor Maintenance & Damage Prevention

One of the most basic steps you can take to help prevent against wear and tear on your marble and granite floors is to apply a neutral pH breathable sealer once your floors have been installed. Regular sealing of your stone floor is crucial because it repels stains until spills are cleaned! The sealer also helps to prevent natural wear and tear from everyday foot traffic. If you apply this sealant, be sure you consult the package for additional cleaning instructions!

Sand and dirt can scratch or even damage natural stone surfaces. If you install natural stone flooring in your Northern Virginia area home, make sure to sweep it regularly to prevent dirt from settling into the stone. This is ensure it looks new for years to come!

Variety and Price of Stone Flooring

Granite is a very unique stone, often cut for specific purposes and differing from stone to stone. Due to this variety and uniqueness, there are two major factors that add to the cost of granite: the rarity of color and the stone’s pattern. The heavier weight relative to marble also makes the cost of shipping granite more expensive, and this is also added into the final price. Granite floor tiles can range from $9-25 per square foot, not including installation. Marble is often manufactured in bulk, reducing the costs of cutting and shipping the stone. Marble floors range from $6-20 per square foot, not including installation.

Stone Flooring Installation in Maryland, Virginia, & Washington, DC

Since 1987, Elegant Floor Service has provided stone floor services to residential, commercial and government clients in the Maryland (MD), Washington, DC and Northern Virginia (VA) metro area. From restoration to maintenance projects, we do it all – one time service or a regular maintenance program. Servicing marble and other natural stone floors, we can take care of all your needs.

Contact Elegant Floor Service today online or at (800) 417-3172 to learn more!

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